Work-Life Balance - Working from a Beach or Working from the Office?

The Dream of the Beach Office…

It’s the classic digital nomad fantasy—sitting under a palm tree, sipping a smoothie (or in our case a mojito!) laptop open, with the sound of waves in the background. The idea of blending work with travel is tempting, and for good reason. 

We’ve had huge success doing exactly this – aka Lucusta Travel! We've lost count of the destinations around the world we've sat with a laptop creating beautiful bespoke itineraries or looking after our customers with our personal concierge service. 

But before you take the leap of faith, let’s look at the pros and cons of this ‘idyllic’ beach lifestyle… 

The Pros of Working from a Beach

• Freedom & Flexibility – You set your schedule, working when you're most productive and enjoying the rest of the day. Mornings can be for deep focus, and afternoons for relaxation. 

• Well-being Boost – Fresh air, sunlight, and a change of scenery can improve mood, creativity, and reduce stress levels compared to the office grind. 

• A Work-Life Balance (If Managed Well) – By working efficiently in short, focused bursts, you can maximize both productivity and leisure, getting the best of both worlds. 

• Increased Creativity & Inspiration – A change of scenery, especially one as beautiful as the beach, can spark fresh ideas and new perspectives. Being in nature, surrounded by the ocean and open skies, can boost creativity and problem-solving skills. 

• Cost Savings (In Some Locations) – Depending on where you travel, working from a beachside location can actually be more affordable than living in a big city. Many digital nomads find that countries with a lower cost of living allow them to enjoy a higher quality of life while spending less on rent, food, and entertainment. 

It all sounds fantastic, right? But before you pack your bags and book a one-way ticket to paradise, let’s look at the challenges. 

The Reality of Beachside Working…

While Instagram makes remote working look glamorous, the truth can be quite different. It’s always good to explore the whole picture before you take the jump! 

 The Cons of Working from a Beach 

•  Unreliable WiFi & Tech Issues – Most beaches don’t come with high-speed internet. Even if you find a beachfront café with WiFi, it may not be stable enough for video calls or heavy workloads. 

• Screen Glare & Overheating – The sun may be great for your tan, but not for your laptop. Glare makes screens difficult to see, sand gets in keyboards, and heat can cause devices to overheat. 

•  Too Many Distractions – Waves crashing, people playing, the temptation to jump into the sea… staying focused can be much harder than in a controlled office environment. 

• Blurred Work-Life Boundaries – The biggest drawback is that you never fully switch off. You may feel guilty for relaxing and yet struggle to be fully productive. The result? You’re neither fully working nor fully enjoying your time off. 

• Resentment from Office-Based Colleagues – A study found that one in five employees feel frustrated when coworkers log in remotely, while nearly a quarter worry that those working abroad aren’t as productive. If you’re working across time zones, meeting deadlines and being available for meetings can also become tricky.

Office vs. Beach: Which One Wins?

The office may lack sunshine and fresh air, but it provides structure, fewer distractions, and all the tools needed for efficiency. The beach offers adventure, flexibility, and a break from routine—but it requires strong discipline to be effective. 

So, what’s the best approach? The key is balance. Instead of struggling to work from the sand, find a quiet and comfortable workspace nearby—a hotel room or café. We use coworking spaces a lot and find it’s always easy to find a local option, no matter where we are. Focus on getting work done efficiently so you can truly enjoy your time off. 

Ultimately, work is still work, no matter where you do it. The trick is making sure your location helps, rather than hinders, your productivity. 

Would you swap your office for a beach? Let us know your thoughts. We can help plan your holiday and give you the opportunity to see if this lifestyle could work for you!